Staff Software Engineer - Federal

FieldAI; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Equity

Generous time off

Job summary

FieldAI in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of autonomous robotic systems. In this role, you will work closely with both customers and internal teams.

You should have a PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, alongside proven expertise in software engineering. The position offers a salary range of $70,000-$300,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in relevant fields or MS degree with 2+ years experience.
• Proven expertise in early-stage system design.
• Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic integration and debugging for software support.
• Build utilities and tools for integration and automated testing.
• Provide technical expertise to advance software architectures.

Skills

Software engineering across full program lifecycle

Robotics middleware (ROS/ROS2)

Embedded systems (C/C++)

Agile/hybrid frameworks

Analytical capabilities for financial modeling

Education

PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Jira

Wrike

Confluence

Job description

About the Job

At FieldAI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real‑world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs.

As a Senior Software Engineer at Field AI, you’ll be at the forefront of bringing our autonomous systems to life in the real world, owning deployment, integration, and ongoing performance in the field. This role is equal parts engineering and problem‑solving. You’ll work hands‑on with both customers and our internal teams to ensure successful operations, rapidly incorporate field feedback to improve reliability and performance, and drive adoption so our systems become mission‑critical from day one. If you thrive in fast‑paced, high‑impact environments and want to see your work directly enable the future of autonomy, this is the role where you’ll make it happen.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Drive strategic integration, debugging, and rapid capability development while providing essential software support
• Build robust utilities and tools to facilitate integration and automated testing for system software builds
• Provide high‑level technical expertise and analytical insights to advance the development of robust software architectures

What You Have

• PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research
• Proven expertise in software engineering across the full program lifecycle, with a focus on early‑stage system design and development.
• Experience/Familiarity with robotics middleware such as ROS / ROS 2 or similar distributed robotics software systems
• Experience/Familiarity with distributed systems (multiple nodes, real‑time comms)
• Experience/Familiarity with embedded systems (C/C++ on constrained hardware)
• Ability to work effectively across adjacent domains, including software, electronics, networking, and mechanical interfaces
• Proven track record managing complex programs with multiple dependencies in agile/hybrid frameworks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to executives and diverse audiences
• Strong analytical capabilities, with experience in financial modeling, ROI analysis, and tracking KPIs
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑growth startup environments; proactive, adaptable, resilient

The Extras That Set You Apart

• Experience deploying, operating, or maintaining mission‑critical systems in real‑world environments.
• Experience using Jira or Wrike or Confluence or other program management software tools
• Ability to work directly with customers in high‑stakes, fast‑paced settings, translating needs into technical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical users.
• Willingness to travel and work on‑site with customers as needed.

Work Expectations

Field AI is a fully onsite role; candidates will be expected to work from our HQ in Irvine, CA. In‑person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work‑life balance.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time off.

Eligibility

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team. This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility. A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R §120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.